Whitney Houston

Profession:Singer and ActressWhy Famous:One of the most awarded and the best-selling female music artist ever. Houston first came to prominence as a teen model and moved into music full time after she signed a record contract in 1983.

Her debut album "Whitney Houston" was released in 1985 and in 1986 was the No. 1 selling album (Billboard).

Her 2nd album "Whitney" was also a major success with a record 7 No. 1 hits.

She moved into film roles with "The Bodyguard" in 1992. The film's soundtrack containing her so-called signature song "I Will Always Love You".

Whitney continued to perform while her personal life became more chaotic amid alleged drug-taking until she died in 2012 in an accidental drowning. She is remembered for her huge vocal range and her use of the melisma technique.